Michael Schumacher does not expect the emotion of competing in his final Formula 1 race to hit him during Sunday’s Brazilian Grand Prix.
The German legend will retire from the sport for a second time when the 2012 season ends.
He originally walked away from the cockpit at the end of 2006, before being tempted back to join Mercedes in 2010.
Schumacher’s return did not live up to expectations, as he was often outperformed by team-mate Nico Rosberg and took just one podium finish. He will be replaced by Lewis Hamilton next season.
Click here for Edd Straw’s analysis of Schumacher’s second F1 career
Asked if he was likely to get emotional during the race about his 306th F1 start being his last, Schumacher replied: “I know I will not. That’s me. When I’m in the car, I’m focused 100 per cent on what I’m doing.
“Maybe in certain moments, such as when coming to the grid or when the chequered flag is down, I will think about this.
“Who knows, I might even be emotional in that moment… But so far there has not been too much of this.”
Although not emotional about his departure, Schumacher admitted he had been affected by fans’ outpourings of support at Interlagos this week.
“I’m obviously feeling touched. It is a very nice gesture from all those fans,” he said.
“People who love motorsport liked what I was doing over all those years. It’s certainly a good feeling. But I’m still focused 100 per cent.”
He underlined he would not be changing his approach for his last race, or going for broke with a strategic gamble if rain hit.
“Usually in these conditions I try to do the best. It’s not about gambling, it’s about trying to be precise and spot on,” said Schumacher.
Having already had the experience of retiring from F1 once, Schumacher added that he knew how he would feel when the 2013 season began without him.
“I have already been there sitting in front of the television and watching with interest,” he said. “I will have no hard feelings.”
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